American Legion

Written by Wilj Sturkey | 08 April 2011

Although American Legion Post 160 is over 50 years old, it just moved into a new, modern building in 2009. In addition to the 7 days a week bar service, it offers a kitchen service five nights a week. There’s lots of entertainment including Bingo, Karaoke, DJ’s, and Dancing. Most holidays are welcomed with some celebration, like the Valentine’s Dinner Dance set for Saturday, February 12th.

                There is much camaraderie among members and guests. It’s just a low-key place to relax and have a drink and catch up. It’s a place where everyone treats you like family. Perhaps it’s the Smyrna version of “Cheers.” But that is not all the Legion has to offer.

                It’s a way for service members and former service members to connect. It’s a way to help each other and the youth in the area.

                “Each year we participate in Boys and Girls State, which is a program that sends high school juniors to Georgia Southern for training.” explained Post 160 Commander Hal Reeves.   They are taught how our Government works. They run for office, learn public speaking, and participate in creating and running a working government.              “We pay for the program, provide transportation, and help students to participate,” he added.

                The American Legion helps our veterans, too.“When a veteran needs help, we will help them. If they need help getting signed up for the VA healthcare, we have someone designated to help them. If they need help with finances, it’s not in our budget, but we will find someone to help.”

                To become a Legionnaire, one must have served in the military during wartime:  Aug. 2, 1990 - Open

                                                                                                                                Dec. 20, 1989 - Jan. 31, 1990

                                                                                                                                Aug. 24, 1982 - July 31, 1984

                                                                                                                                Feb. 28, 1961 - May 7, 1975

                                                                                                                                June 25, 1950 - Jan. 31, 1955

                                                                                                                                Dec. 7, 1941 - Dec. 31, 1946

Then they must provide a completed application and $30. Sons of the American Legion (children of war veterans) and the Legion Auxiliary are also very active at Post 160. For more info, visit the post web site: www.americanlegionpost160.org.

                “The American Legion is the largest lobbying group in the United States,” according to the Commander. The Legion has nearly 15,000 chartered posts.

                The new facility has a meeting and event space that will seat 200 people. The legion rents the space out for private parties, corporate meetings, and other events. The space has an expansive dance area and a raised stage for a band or DJ. The legion offers full service catering for events here. For more information, call the post at 770-436-2501 or come by the post at 160 Legion Drive, behind McEntyre’s bakery.